By Deji Abdulwahab
The Helpline Social Support Initiative has shortlisted over 100 women and young girls from across Africa to participate in the inaugural Africa Women Conference (AWC) Women and Girls Digital Technology Hub.
Arome Ibrahim, Programme Director of the AWC Digital Tech Hub, who announced this in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday, said the training would focus on AI and data science.
Ibrahim said that the organisation partnered with DataCamp Donates (USA) to inaugurate the AWC Women and Girls Digital Technology Hub AI and Data Science Programme.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2025 AWC is set to take place from Nov. 19 to Nov. 21, in Accra, Ghana.
The 2025 theme is “Legacy Meets Innovation: Women Forging New Pathways for Africa’s Sustainable Development.”
According to Ibrahim, this initiative will provide approximately 100 DataCamp course licenses to selected participants.
“The AI and Data Analytics Programme is an impact-driven initiative designed to empower 100 women and girls from across Africa with future-ready skills in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Science,” he said.
He said the initiative stemmed from a resolution made during AWC Zambia 2024, aiming to provide selected participants with access to high-quality online courses on DataCamp, an industry-leading platform for learning data skills.
“Participants will undergo a three-month structured training programme, followed by six months of self-paced learning.
”This will enable them to earn globally recognised certifications and develop real-world competencies in AI, data analysis, and data science.
“The initiative is rooted in AWC’s mission to bridge the digital divide affecting women and girls on the continent, and it builds on the resolutions from the 2024 Africa Women Conference in Zambia, which emphasised the urgency of addressing gender gaps in technology access and innovation.”
According to him, by investing in women’s digital skills, AWC and its partners seek to create pathways to employment, entrepreneurship, and community-driven tech solutions.
“This programme represents more than just training, it’s a commitment to building an inclusive tech future for African women and girls. 4
“We’re proud to collaborate with DataCamp Donates to expand opportunities for underrepresented voices in the digital space.
“In addition to technical skills, participants will participate in bi-weekly live sessions, mentorship opportunities, and a community of peer support.
”Applicants should be women or girls aged 15–45 residing in Africa who have access to a laptop and internet.”
He said that in terms of country spread Nigeria led with 25 participants, Ghana follows with nine participants, Cameroon, Somalia five, Ethiopia, Egypt, South Africa, and Benin each have four participants.
He said that Togo, Zimbabwe, and Senegal each had three participants.
“Other African countries Uganda, Zambia, Rwanda, Algeria, Kenya, South Sudan, and Côte D’Ivoire each have two participants.
”DRC, Malawi, Sudan, Mozambique, Cabo Verde, Botswana, Mali, Tanzania, Somaliland, Libya, Gambia, Madagascar, Liberia, Mauritius, Sierra Leone, Lesotho, Niger, Eswatini, Morocco, Mauritania, and Namibia each have one participant.
”The selected 100 participants include individuals from AWC conference host countries, such as Zambia, Ethiopia, Gambia, Rwanda, Morocco, and Namibia, as well as other representatives from across the continent.”
He said that the inaugural session was scheduled for Oct. 25, with the first cohort expected to graduate in May 2026.
”The 100 selected participants were chosen from over 3,500 applications received, with selection criteria based on interest, commitment, and potential for impact. ” (NAN)
Edited by Abdulfatai Beki/Isaac Aregbesola
